I notice that many Nordic Walkers tend to bend their arms at the elbows when walking. Not a major problem, but if you keep you arms mostly straight, you will be able to reach out and get a good stride going. Plus, you will get a better push into the surface.
The key muscle to activate at first is your triceps. When you bend at the elbows, you end to bring the poles more vertical and push more vertical. You start forcing things.
Proper Nordic Walking technique
Try to swing those arms from your shoulder. Let them pivot at the ball &socket up there. Practice this when walking to the store. And try to make sure both arms swing forward the same amount. I often see people with one arm swinging two feet forward and the other barely moving.
As you swing, you build up momentum. This helps your pacing and strong movement. Remember, this is a FITNESS routine. The more you put into it, the more you get out. and you will burn more calories and get your heart rate higher…Still in the aerobic zone.
REVIEW: Walking symetrically
If you watch runners, their arms swing Forward and Back in a line with their direction. This pumping helps the body keep a forward track with the energy going forward. If your arms and poles are flailing all around, you are getting negative inputs.
This is not the end of the world, but try to perfect your technique. Once you get all this down, you will be on autopilot. Just have fun and know that you are doing more than your friends who are “just walking”.
See you on the trail.
Carpe Diem!